Three hours later, Herta had successfully sorted through all her memories.
How Ruan Mei had step-by-step led her to this current situation—but what was the purpose of all this?
Had Ruan Mei changed? Was she trying to follow the Path of Enigmata? Or Elation?
No. She had always been eccentric. More precisely, all geniuses were eccentric.
And whatever she did, it somehow always seemed justifiable.
Herta carefully placed the ancient mirror back in its original position.
"Fine, fine. I should focus on how to accompany Ruan Mei on this date to the Luofu tomorrow."
Herta couldn't help but wonder: was this just an ordinary date?
Afternoon tea, some pastries, chatting about Simulated Universe development—like always?
But Ruan Mei's recent behavior—asking if she had someone she liked, seeking out Wisteria Cake who resembled her, and this whole "family" business...
Herta thought it over, genuinely unable to figure out what Ruan Mei was thinking. She could only sigh deeply.
"Ugh. This definitely won't be an ordinary date. Even geniuses have moments of confusion and helplessness."
Even someone as brilliant as Herta could only take out her phone and start searching for information about dates.
She began carefully reading the relevant content.
[The purpose of a date is usually to get to know each other better—to assess compatibility.]
Herta: Ruan Mei only has me as a friend, right? Well, there's also Yu Qingtu, who introduced us.
[Getting to know each other's signs, Paths, personalities, interests, etc.]
Herta: Ruan Mei's sign? Not sure. Path? Same as mine—Erudition. Interests? The Starcrusher Swarm King, searching for the path to divine ascension.
Personality? Cold and aloof. Just like me—unlikable.
[Dates can increase mutual affection?!]
Herta froze. She hastily tossed her phone aside.
"Ah... th-this!! Increasing affection?! Since when do dates have such an absurd purpose?!"
"B-but... I already agreed to go with Ruan Mei. A genius's word is her bond."
Herta gritted her teeth and retrieved her phone to continue reading.
[Common date activities to increase affection include watching movies.]
Herta shook her head.
"Forget it. Geniuses aren't interested in that. Besides, does the Luofu even have movies? I think they have something called shadowplays and storytellers."
[Riding a Ferris wheel.]
Herta: Nothing special. Ruan Mei and I could easily traverse the universe in hundreds of different ways.
[Going to karaoke.]
Herta: I can't sing.
[Shopping at the mall, buying rings.]
Herta: Not interested.
[Going to a barbecue stall.]
Herta: No way. Those are full of artificial additives.
[For a date, dress neatly and wear a little light makeup.]
Herta: Hmm... Try it tomorrow?
[Going to a dessert shop.]
Herta's eyes lit up. Finally, something reliable. She immediately called Asta without hesitation.
"Hello? Is this Madam Herta?"
There was a hint of disappointment and helplessness in Asta's voice. Herta paused and asked directly.
"Asta? What's wrong?"
Asta was silent for a moment. She had finally mustered the courage to ask for Ruan Mei's contact information, and Herta had forcefully interrupted and teleported her away.
"Nothing. Do you have work instructions, Madam Herta?"
"Yes, yes."
Asta glanced at the time on her phone—five in the afternoon.
"Sorry, Madam Herta. Tell me about work tomorrow. It's off-duty hours now."
Just as Asta was about to hang up, Herta quickly interrupted.
"Wait!! Asta, didn't you used to love working overtime? Why are you rushing to leave right on time now?"
Asta replied calmly.
"Madam Herta, my current mood is at its lowest since I came to Herta Space Station."
"You should understand. I grew up reading Madam Ruan Mei's papers. Her thesis on the stars—one hundred thousand words—I can recite it word for word without error."
Herta paused, gritted her teeth, and compromised slightly.
"Mark all the traditional Xianzhou Luofu cuisine and dessert shops on my galactic map. And lend me your purple gold card."
"When I return to the space station, I'll give you Ruan Mei's contact information."
Asta, who had been downcast and listless, instantly perked up.
"Really?! I'll arrange it right away. Please wait a moment, Madam Herta."
As soon as Asta hung up on Herta, she turned around and messaged Stelle.
"Are you there?"
Stelle: Yeah.
Asta: You've been to the Luofu, right?
Stelle: Yeah. More precisely, I'm a hero of the Luofu. I still have the Alliance jade token on the train.
Asta: Can you tell me the exact locations of dessert shops and traditional food stalls on the Xianzhou Luofu?
Stelle: I'll introduce you to someone. She's the expert on this.
Asta sent Stelle a red envelope, and immediately added a new contact—a netizen named "Vidyadhara Online."
Bailu: Hello, big sister. Stelle has explained the situation to me. Are you coming to the Luofu for a visit?
Asta: More precisely, it's for my boss. Her personality might be a bit difficult, so I'll trouble you to look after her.
Bailu: No problem.
After finishing with Bailu, Asta relayed everything to Herta.
Herta was silent for a moment. She had only asked Asta to mark locations on the map, but this was the result.
"You're saying you found a local Luofu guide for me?"
"Don't worry, Madam Herta. This was recommended by Stelle."
"Stelle? She's not as unreliable as that short pink-haired girl, is she?"
Asta paused. Short pink-haired girl?! Was she talking about her? Seriously, she was trying to help, and Herta was badmouthing her to her face. Well, Herta was still Herta.
Herta rarely explained.
"Asta, don't misunderstand. I meant March 7th—that silly girl on the Astral Express."
"Ah... understood. Do you have any other requests, Madam Herta?"
"No. Same as before—when I return to the space station, I'll give you Ruan Mei's contact information."
Herta hung up again. Asta could only sigh softly. She put on her headphones and played Robin's music.
"Ugh. Only Robin's voice can heal my mood right now."
Asta picked up Robin's album, looked at her image, then took out her own photo for comparison.
Just one glance, and she couldn't help but marvel.
"Somehow... I feel like Robin and I look quite similar? Ah well. Next time, I'll invite her to perform at the space station."
"It's just a small amount of pocket money."
"Madam Ruan Mei seems to like music too. Would she also enjoy Robin's heavenly voice?"
Lost in thought, with Robin's ethereal voice in her ears, Asta slowly closed her eyes and drifted peacefully into sleep.